Cardiff Devils release Andrew Conboy

12 Nov 2013 | Ollie Hampson

Despite publicly backing and voicing their commitment to the Canadian forward, the Cardiff Devils have released Andrew Conboy

It appears to have been one suspension too many for Cardiff Devils forward Andrew Conboy as he has been released by the Devils with immediate effect.

Since coming to the UK, Conboy has had three suspensions, one for head butting, one for abuse of an official and his last one being for an attempted eye gouge.

The Devils and Conboy have suffered a challenging, disappointing and controversial beginning to the 2013/14 EIHL season, currently sat one place from bottom in the league, despite pre season expectations of a title challenge.
On the Devils website, the team stated

"Andrew Conboy’s Elite League campaign has been a challenging one with three suspensions being carried at this early part of the season, and we feel Andrew is now a ‘marked man’ and will not be able to play to his full potential and we can’t risk any further suspensions.

With recent injuries to the current squad, the Cardiff Devils have had no option but to release Andrew in order to open up an additional playing spot providing depth and further options during the current suspension period and in order to strengthen future plans."

The Devils have begun searching for a replacement and have already brought in Czech forward Tomáš Kůrka last week on a club record contract.

Perhaps the Devils will now look to add to their depleted defensive unit, the side fell to a 5 - 3 loss against the Hull Stingrays on Sunday night, with Canadian Mark Smith injured and Josh Batch and Rupert Quiney moving back to their natural position after starting the year on the forward units.